ORLANDO, Fla. — Barry Manilow has postponed his January concerts, including an Orlando stop at the Kia Center, after the discovery of a cancerous spot on his left lung.

In a statement, Manilow said the cancer was caught early, and his prognosis is good.

“The doctors do not believe it has spread, and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis,” he said. “No chemo, no radiation. Just chicken soup and ‘I Love Lucy’ reruns.”

His representatives said the cancer was considered stage one, and Manilow would undergo surgery by the end of December.

Manilow, 82, hopes to be back onstage in time for a Valentine’s Day weekend engagement at his “home away from home” at the Westgate resort in Las Vegas. Manilow has a long relationship with the Westgate time-share company, founded by Central Floridian David Siegel, who died in April.

The cancerous spot was discovered by “pure luck (and a good doctor),” Manilow wrote. He had been struggling with a stubborn case of bronchitis, so his doctor ordered an MRI, which discovered the cancer at an early stage.

In addition to his planned Orlando concert, other affected Florida cities include Tampa, Sunrise, Estero and Jacksonville.

Known for hits including “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” Manilow is on a farewell tour. He announced in September that the January concert at the Kia Center would be his last in Central Florida.

In his 50-year career, Manilow has released more than 40 albums and charted 51 Top 40 singles, including 13 that reached No. 1. A Grammy, Tony and Emmy award-winner, he has sold more than 85 million albums and was named the No. 1 adult-contemporary artist of all time by Billboard and R&R magazines.

Manilow last performed in Orlando in January of 2023, when he headlined a concert celebrating his 50-year career. Prior to that show, he told the Orlando Sentinel that while he was slowing down, he wasn’t finished with showbiz.

“I’m waiting for the shoe to drop, to wake up and look in the mirror and feel older and retire,” Manilow said then with a laugh. “But so far, so good.”

His Jan. 7 Orlando show has been rescheduled for March 13 at the Kia Center. January ticket holders will be able to use their current tickets in March.

“Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around,” Manilow wrote. “I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans.”

His statement ended on a positive note, wishing fans “a wonderful Christmas” and a happy new year.

“And remember,” he wrote. “If you have even the slightest symptom, get tested!”

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